Rec Programs

We work to enrich Marion and the lives of our residents and surrounding communities by providing a wide-range of recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages that encourage healthy, active lifestyles and life-long learning.

E-Newsletter

Request to sign up for the Marion Parks & Recreation monthly e-newsletter by emailing Karlene, you will receive the latest information and timely registration reminders.

2020 Spring/Summer "Play by Play" Activity Guide

Check out all our awesome programs and exciting events happening this spring and summer! Look for hard copies insider your March Marion Messenger.

Nothing hurts a program more than missed deadlines. Please register early to ensure we have adequate numbers to hold our programs, allowing you and your child the opportunity to participate in the desired activity. Registering before the deadline also helps ensure that we have enough time to order any necessary equipment or supplies for the program. We cannot guarantee there will be any openings after the deadline has passed. Once a program is full, participants may choose to be placed on a waiting list.

Confirmation

We do NOT send confirmation notices of registrations. Please assume your class/program will be held at the time and place indicated unless you are notified otherwise. We will be happy to send you a confirmation if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your registration.

Correspondence

We communicate primarily through email. It is beneficial for you to provide us with a valid email address, so we can communicate effectively with you regarding various program offerings. If you do not have an email address, you can request to have your information mailed to you. We do send out a monthly e-newsletter that is emailed directly to you the first week of each month. These newsletters have registration deadline reminders, upcoming programs, park news, and much more. If you would like to be placed on this list, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 447-3590 or email Karlene Hummel.

Fees & Refunds

All fees are due at the time of your registration. Cash, check, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) are accepted. Checks should be made out to Marion Parks and Recreation. A non-refundable late fee of$10 per individual registration will be added after the registration deadline has passed. Refunds will be given for withdrawals from an activity prior to the start of the event, less a $10 administrative fee. There are no refunds after a program has started and fees will not be prorated if you chose to register for a program late. Refund checks will be mailed and can take up to three weeks to process. There is a $25 fee for returned checks.

Financial Assistance

We want to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in any of our programs. To be eligible for assistance, you must be a Marion resident. Financial assistance forms are available at either Thomas Park or Lowe Park offices and require you to provide proof of income as well as any additional assistance. If approved, you will be required to pay a 25% co-payment of the recreation program cost and a 50% co-payment for a swimming pool pass and pool programs.

Active Participants & Insurance

Participants in any Marion Parks and Recreation program assume responsibility for any risk, implicit or direct, by participation in said activity or facility. Many programs involve body contact, substantial physical exertion, emotional stress, and/or use of equipment, which represents a certain inherent risk to users. It is recommended you check with your physician prior to participating.

The City of Marion’s Parks and Recreation Department does not provide individual accident liability insurance.

Cancellations & Make-Ups

Cancellations are posted on this website and can also be found on the Marion Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page. If school is canceled due to inclement weather, ALL Parks and Recreation activities will be canceled as well. If school is canceled or dismissed early on a Friday, then ALL Friday AND Saturday recreation activities are canceled. Summer activities will be canceled in the event of a heat warning being issued. Every effort will be made to reschedule any missed programs. However, due to facility and staff availability, we cannot guarantee the make-ups will be at the same time, day, or location.

Team Assignment

To assign teams fairly and randomly, volunteer coaches may pick one assistant. If a program needs more than two coaches per team, Marion Parks and Recreation will assign the additional assistants from names of volunteers appearing on the registration forms. You will be notified of your team assignment by your assigned coach or emailed the information directly from the Parks and Recreation Department. Children will be randomly assigned to teams. Children living in the same household will be placed on the same team if they are in the same division. No special team or carpooling requests, please!

Volunteer Coaches Needed

Many of our youth recreational programs and leagues utilize volunteer parents/adults to serve as coaches. These volunteer coaches are key to making many of our programs a success. Without the generous spirit and time commitment by volunteers, these programs would not be possible. Volunteer coaches are expected to be a positive role model for players, parents and spectators. They teach and stress age-appropriate skills and fundamentals. They promote good sportsmanship and fairness at all times. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please indicate that on your child’s registration form or contact the Parks and Recreation office at 447-3590. All volunteer coaches are required to pass a background check and complete a non-statutory volunteer coverage application prior to beginning coaching.

Photo Policy

Photos are occasionally taken of participants in our programs, classes, or activities and of people enjoying our parks. Please be aware that these photos may be used in future programs, brochures, websites, fliers or news releases. Parents are welcome to share photos of their child participating in any of our recreational programs or activities at their own discretion. Photos may be used in various Marion Parks and Recreation publications and marketing materials.

Good Sportsmanship At All Times

All participants in Marion Parks and Recreation programs including players, parents, spectators, coaches and officials, will treat each other with courtesy and respect at all times, no exceptions! With Marion Parks and Recreation, good sportsmanship is not only expected, it is REQUIRED!